I made a decision. I had some Alpha Metal Hats I didn't know what I was going to do with, so I am returning them and getting a Pork Pie Big Black Brass snare drum. I guess it's kinda their answer to a Ludwig Black Beauty. It even has tube lugs. I want that deep snare sound. I would have easily done with a Slingerland 6.5"x14" shell, but there aren't any left. I have way too many 5" drums at the moment. I need a good, barky metal snare that isn't a thimble in diameter or depth. I love low-tuned drums.
I thought about the Trick snares from their web site, but I already am a teeny bit over-extended (damn you Bill Me Later!!!). I have bought so much gear anticipating playing out. I need the liquid capital to pay bills. No- I am NOT pleading poverty BY ANY MEANS!!!! Now that I will be in not one, but two bands (well, the king of the blues band is also king of a pop/rock band), I will have plenty of opportunity to pay off my purchases.
Thanks for all of the advice. And while I am not building anything, I am getting what I need. In the end, I can't build it cheaper than I can buy it...